Start The Holiday Season At The 13th Annual Mayor's Community Charity Ball

For the 13th consecutive year, the Addison holiday season will be officially run in with the Mayor's Community Charity Ball, on Saturday, November 15, 2003 at Alta Villa Banquets, at 430 N. Addison Road. This year 14 different non-profit organizations will share the profits of this gala evening, featuring dinner, dancing, entertainment, as well as auction and raffle prizes.

"When there are those in need, the people of Addison have never failed to show their generosity," said Mayor Larry Hartwig, host of the event. "At the beginning of this season giving, we always remember that are members of our community who need help. This event allows us to help them, and celebrate the season at the same time."

Tickets to the event are $55 per person, with profits benefiting the charity of choice; all of the money raised benefits local organizations. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., along with the first opportunity to bid on approximately 100 items in the silent auction. Items range from gift baskets valued at approximately $50, up to a mink coat and jewelry items, valued at more than $1,000.

"There's something for any price range for those who want to do a little Christmas shopping during the evening," said Village Clerk Lucille Zucchero, one of the organizers of the event.

Dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Addison Trail High School Chamber Strings and the Elmhurst College Jazz Band.

For the second year, a cash raffle is also being held; first prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and third prize is $250. Raffle tickets are just $5 each, or a book of 5 for $20. They may be purchased ahead of time from any of the participating organizations, or at Village Hall - winners need not be present.

Last year more than $39,000 was distributed to local charities, making the event the most successful yet. That success is due in part to businesses that help keep the costs low. "We are fortunate that much of our expenses, including the entertainment, flowers, and printing, are either donated, done at a very low price, or are underwritten by other businesses," said Mayor Hartwig. "An event of this size could not be done without the cooperation of many, many people, and Addison is fortunate to have so many people willing to share the load."

Organization who will benefit from the Mayor's Community Charity Ball are Addison Chamber of Commerce & Industry, American Association of University Women - Addison Chapter, Addison Center for the Harts, Addison Trail Music Boosters, Addison Trail Theater Boosters, Concord Lutheran School, Helping Hand Sertoma Club, Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA), Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and Woman's Club.

Proceeds from dinner tickets sold by the participating agencies go directly back to the agencies; last year more than $28 of the $55 ticket went back to the charities.

All proceeds raised by the Village go to two charities chosen by the Mayor. This year, the donations will go to the Addison Community Switchboard and towards sponsorship of two programs at NEDSRA, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. These two programs are: "Leisure Is For Everyone (LIFE)" fee assistance program, which gives financial support to participants who cannot afford programs at NEDSRA; and "Inclusion," which provides a person with a disability the opportunity to be included in local park district or recreation department programs and participate alongside their non-disabled peers through a comprehensive "leisure buddy" program.

Everyone is invited to attend the 13th Annual Mayor's Community Charity Ball on November 15, 2003. For information, reservations or to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Doree Krage, Assistant Director of Community Relations, at 630/693-7550.

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